Charles J. 'Joe' Williamson, 77

Charles J. "Joe" Williamson, of Bayview, died Feb. 25, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Susan (Laycock) of Flint, Mich.; three children: Charles Kenneth Williamson of Elk Rapids, Mich., James E. Williamson of Coeur d'Alene and Janet Dotson of Gooding; four grandchildren: Jacob Williamson of Coeur d'Alene, James Williamson of Coeur d'Alene, Charles Karl Williamson of Elk Rapids and Sara Williamson Smith of Soldotna, Alaska; one great-granddaughter, Taylor Ann Smith of Soldotna, Alaska; his brother, David Williamson of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and two sisters: Sallie Donovan of Ludington, Mich., and Jane Metz of Gladwin, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Lucien Williamson and Ellen Bachmayer Williamson of Monroe, Mich.

Joe was born in Monroe, Mich., on Aug. 18, 1933. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 in both the United States and in Japan.

He attended Leelanau Schools, Kalamazoo College and Ohio State Law School earning his Juris Doctor Degree. His career included corporate law, financial investment consulting and various small businesses including restaurants and Irish Antiques in Michigan, where they resided for many years.

He was an avid bridge player his entire life and competed in Duplicate tournaments throughout the country with his brother, Dave, earning his Life Masters in 2005. He was president of the Coeur d'Alene Duplicate Bridge Club. He also enjoyed camping and fishing with his brother and lifelong friend, Bill Land of Pittsburgh. He and his wife, Sue, traveled extensively with friends and had just completed a trip to China. He loved his family and enjoyed a life of personal success and achievement.

Memorial tributes may be made in Joe's name to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835, or to Bayview Community Center, 20298 Perimeter Road, Bayview, ID 83803.

A memorial gathering will be held in Bayview at a later date.